Food
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Calling All Ketchup Lovers!
When I was a kid, ketchup was a main staple in our household. Who am I kidding? It is still a big part of our menu and I just can’t eat french fries or a hamburger without it! I am not alone as it is America’s favorite condiment and can be found in 97 percent of kitchens. Apparently, President Nixon covered his cottage cheese with it, the Japanese eat it on rice, and one ice cream manufacturer allegedly once tried a ketchup ice cream. (Source: www.assortment.com). Studies show tomato ketchup can also be a powerful tool in the fight against cancer and heart disease. Ketchup History The word ketchup is derived from…
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A Dinner Success!
There are few dinners in our household that please everyone. My three children span the spectrum of culinary preferences. My 11 year-old won’t tolerate chili or anything cumin-scented, but my 8 year-old is a big fan. However, this same eight year-old is not a taker when it comes to casseroles or sauces. And don’t get me started on my extremely finicky four year-old…how he is such a robust little man is a mystery to me. So when I happen to make a dinner that everyone eats with gusto, well I just have to share! I feel it’s my duty as a fellow mom. We’re all in this together, right?…
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Creative Budget-Friendly Party Planning Tips
Huge extravaganzas, blockbuster affaires, five-star entertaining…who has the energy or disposable income these days to plan over-the-top parties anymore? And, really, it’s just not necessary if what you care about is bringing friends and family together to celebrate or mark a special occasion. As someone who has done her fair share of events for work and pleasure, my most successful endeavors come from summoning up a little creative MOJO, some DIY spirit, and keeping it simple. Pick an Un-Themed Theme Rather than pick something standard or choose the latest, popular character theme, try to brainstorm a bit about the guests of honor and the people who will be attending. Think…
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Steps for a Healthy Heart
We probably don’t think too much heart disease in our busy day-to- day lives, but it is one of the leading cause of death for both women and men in the United States. Over 60 million Americans currently suffer from the disease. (Source: Alternative Medicine.) It is unfortunate that it is thought to be a “man’s disease,” as the same number of men and women die each year of heart disease. In a 2005 survey, 36% of women did not identify themselves to be at risk. (Source: www.cdc.gov.) Heart health became front and center in my life this fall after being hospitalized for four days due to a virus that…
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Fun Craft: Christmas Family Trees
Christmas trees – they serve as both the main Christmas season decoration & a great bonding tool for family during the holiday season. Decorating them with your family enjoying carols & laughs along the way is one of the things I look forward to all year round. But why not take a twist to the traditional tree with your little ones? Nothing is cuter than a set of tootsie trees hanging on the wall. Materials: Non-toxic paint – green & yellow Black or brown marker pen Canvases – one for each family member Small items to decorate your tootsie trees – we used stick on jewels How To: First of…
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Festive Meringue Cookies
Last week I needed a gluten-free cookie for a Christmas party. I wanted a cookie that was easy and fast to whip up, but I also wanted something that looked fun, festive, and pretty. I came across a recipe in my files that I had made for my daughter’s wedding. I remembered that is was indeed easy, and it turned out so pretty. I made the cookie in yellow for the wedding, but I figured that it wouldn’t be hard at all to make it white or red for Christmas. As a matter of fact, you could make this cookie any color you wish, and you can make a variety of shapes…
